Merthyr Tydfil Declared Fifth Best Town Centre In The UK
Merthyr Tydfil has narrowly missed out on the chance to be voted one of the best town centres in the UK.
It placed fifth – and was the only Welsh contender – in the annual Great British High Street competition’s town centre category, which will be decided in November by an online public vote.
The aim of the Great British High Street Competition is to celebrate the work being done to revive, adapt and diversify Britain’s high streets and champion them as the cornerstones of the community.
The 2016 contest saw a record 900 entries, with the finalists described as ‘vibrant town centres that are fighting to transform their high streets’.
Town Centre Manager Rhian Prosser, who submitted the nomination for the award, said she was delighted Merthyr Tydfil had got as far as it had, and would be aiming to go a step further in 2017.
“We’ve always known that Merthyr Tydfil has an outstanding high street and this has now been confirmed by our selection in the top five,” she added.
Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Councillor Brendan Toomey said the local authority’s Meanwhile scheme, which supports entrepreneurs to run sustainable business in vacant properties, was one of its proudest achievements.
“To be recognised nationally for all the hard work the Council and its partners have invested into the town centre is very rewarding, and we’ll be continuing to ensure we have a strong, vibrant and viable economy.”
Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney MP Gerald Jones said the recognition was testament to the hard work of shop owners and the council’s town centre team. “Also, the Business Improvement District has made the high street a huge success, drawing shoppers not only from Merthyr Tydfil but from many surrounding communities too.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
